PIP changes you must report to DWP to avoid payments stoppages | Personal Finance | Finance

People getting Personal Independence Payments (PIP) have been warned that any changes in circumstances could lead to a sanction or total loss of their allowance. That could happen to claimants who do not appropriately put on record with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Circumstances like adding a new health professional to your care, changing your home address, name, or doctor do not necessarily require notification to the DWP.

Yet leaving Britain for any holiday longer than four weeks is something to inform DWP officials about, since such situations might affect your entitlement.

The 2024 version of the PIP Handbook on the official government website mentions that “this change may affect the claimant’s entitlement to PIP. We will need to know the date the claimant is leaving the country, how long they are planning to be out of the country, which country they are going to and why they are going abroad.”

So, if you plan on taking a prolonged summer break in the next couple of months, remember to share this information with the DWP in due course – a tip to also keep in mind when making your booking.

Reporting a change of circumstance to the DWP

To report any changes, simply ring the PIP inquiry line at 0800 121 4433 which operates from Monday to Friday between 9 am – 5 pm, reports the Daily Record.

Here’s a detailed guide covering all potential changes in circumstance and if they warrant notification to the DWP

For instance, you must inform the DWP if you require more or less assistance or support, or if your condition is expected to last longer or shorter than previously reported to the DWP.

Such changes could impact your PIP eligibility, the amount you receive, and the duration of your PIP award.

If you’re leaving or planning to leave the country for more than four weeks – even for a holiday – this could affect your PIP entitlement.

The DWP needs to know your departure date, how long you plan to be away, your destination, and the reason for your trip.

According to DWP guidelines, both components of PIP stop being payable 28 days after admission to an NHS hospital.

However, patients funded privately are not subject to these rules and can continue receiving either component of PIP.

If you’re in a hospital or similar institution when your PIP entitlement begins, PIP isn’t payable until you’re discharged.

Regarding care homes, the daily living component of PIP stops being payable after 28 days of residency in a care home where accommodation costs are covered by public or local funds. However, the PIP mobility component can continue to be paid.

Those who fully self-fund their placement are not affected by these rules. If you’re in a care home when your PIP entitlement starts, the PIP daily living component isn’t payable until you leave.

Hospital stays and care home residencies are considered connected if the interval between them is less than or equal to 28 days. The daily living component for periods in a care home also follows this rule.

The mobility component does not have this connection as payments are not impacted when in a care home. Both components of PIP will cease after a total of 28 days in hospital.

The daily living component of PIP will stop after a total of 28 days in a care home.

If a claimant transitions between a hospital and care home, or vice versa, these periods will also be linked.

This change may influence the amount of PIP that can be paid to the claimant if they are imprisoned or held in legal custody.

The DWP needs to be informed of the date the claimant was taken into prison or legal custody and the expected duration of their stay, if known.

PIP stops being payable after 28 days if someone is detained in legal custody. This applies whether the offence is civil or criminal and whether they have been convicted or are on remand.

Suspended payments of benefit are not refunded regardless of the outcome of proceedings against the individual. Two or more separate periods in legal custody link if they are within one year of each other.

A change of name will not affect payment or eligibility for PIP, but it is important the DWP has the most up-to-date details for the claimant.

This alteration must be communicated in written form – if the claimant attempts to relay this information over the phone, the DWP will request a written submission. The written notification should include:

– complete details of their former name

– their new name

– information on any modifications made to the bank or building society account where PIP is deposited, such as the account name or number

– the claimant’s signature on the letter

Change of account for PIP payment

The DWP requires comprehensive details of the new bank or building society’s name and address, along with specifics of the new account including the account name, number, and sort code or roll number.

Change of representative for the claimant

This relates to an appointee or someone holding power of attorney for the claimant.

This change is crucial so that the DWP can ensure payments are made to the correct individual at the appropriate time. They need the full name, address, and contact information of the new person acting on behalf of the claimant.

If the representative for the claimant has relocated or has updated contact information, the DWP simply needs the new details.

Change of address

Provided it’s not a hospital or nursing home, this change will not impact eligibility or PIP payment. It’s important that the DWP maintains the most current details for the claimant.

They require complete details of the claimant’s new address, including the postcode and the date of the move.

Change of doctor or healthcare professional

This alteration will not impact the payment or eligibility for PIP and is not obligatory once a decision on the PIP claim has been reached.

However, if the change occurs during the claiming process, it’s crucial that the DWP have the most current information. This ensures that the assessment provider has the correct contact details to collect any additional details they may need.

The DWP requires the complete name, address and contact details of the new doctor or health care professional.

Comprehensive details about changes of circumstance if you are receiving PIP can be found in the online handbook here.